Recognising When Gaming Becomes Problematic
Sometimes the shift happens gradually. You might not notice immediately that your habits have changed. Consider these questions honestly:
- Do you find yourself thinking about gambling during work, family time, or when trying to sleep?
- Have you borrowed money or skipped bills to continue playing?
- Does losing trigger an immediate urge to deposit again?
- Are friends or family expressing concern about your behaviour?
- Do you feel irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble?
Answering yes to even one of these doesn't mean something is definitely wrong, but it does suggest taking a closer look at your patterns.
Practical Tools Available to You
Rooster Bet provides several mechanisms designed to help you stay within comfortable limits:
| Tool | What It Does | How to Activate |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Caps how much you can add daily, weekly, or monthly | Account settings |
| Session Reminders | Notifies you after a set period of play | Account settings |
| Cooling-Off Period | Temporarily blocks access for 24 hours to 30 days | Contact support |
| Self-Exclusion | Removes account access for extended periods | Contact support |
Self-Exclusion Options in New Zealand
Beyond platform-specific restrictions, New Zealand offers broader exclusion programmes. The Multi-Venue Exclusion scheme allows individuals to ban themselves from multiple gambling venues simultaneously. This can be arranged through the Gambling Helpline or local venues directly.
If you request self-exclusion through Rooster Bet, your account will be suspended, marketing communications stopped, and any pending withdrawals processed before closure. Reactivation requires a formal review process and a minimum exclusion period.
Support Resources for New Zealanders
Professional help exists specifically for people in NZ dealing with gambling-related difficulties:
- Gambling Helpline: Free call 0800 654 655, available 24 hours
- Mapu Maia: Support tailored for Pacific communities
- Asian Family Services: Multilingual assistance at 0800 862 342
- The Salvation Army Oasis Centres: Face-to-face counselling nationwide
These services operate without judgement and maintain complete confidentiality.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Habits
Small adjustments can make a significant difference over time:
- Decide your budget before logging in and treat it as fixed.
- Never chase losses—accept them as part of the experience.
- Keep gambling separate from alcohol or emotional decision-making.
- Schedule regular breaks and stick to them.
- Treat winnings as a bonus, not expected income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set limits on my own account?
Yes. Deposit limits and session reminders can be configured through your account settings at any time. Reductions take effect immediately, while increases require a waiting period.
What happens if I self-exclude but want to return?
After the minimum exclusion period ends, you may submit a reactivation request. This involves a review process and may include a conversation about your circumstances before access is restored.
Is the Gambling Helpline really free?
Absolutely. Calls to 0800 654 655 cost nothing, and the service operates around the clock every day of the year.